Marine Debris with Divers in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Clean Up Oceans for the Holidays, No More Ocean Plastics

Tell Your Congressional Rep to Pass the Marine Debris Bill

Tell Congress to act to address the harmful impacts of marine debris to ocean ecosystems, to navigation, safety, and the economy! H.R. 1171, the ‘Marine Debris Act Reauthorization Amendments of 2011’ strengthens and amends the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (1951).H.R. 1171was introduced by Congressman Sam Farr, of Monterey CA, along with 29 others from both sides of the aisle, including House Oceans Caucus & House Coastal Caucus Chairperson Madeleine Bordallo of Guam.

The Marine Debris Act will address the impacts of ocean trash, continue the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee, and develop and maintain the Federal marine debris information clearinghouse. NOAA's Marine Debris Program will investigate and identify sources of debris, and assess, reduce, remove, & prevent the occurrence of marine debris. This program will also address navigation safety and the economy, and when possible, work to prevent the adverse impacts of marine debris on ocean ecosystems. Researchers will determine the types of debris, where it exists, and where it is going via ocean currents and weather.

Marine debris is wreaking havoc in our oceans. Each year,1.4 billion pounds of trash flow into our oceans, damaging ecosystems, and causing millions of dollars of damage in boating accidents and lost tourism revenue. Marine debris kills millions of seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals each year.  In all, 270 ocean species are affected by entanglement or ingestion of plastics.

If you don't want to see trash floating on the ocean, are tired of seeing debris clogging up waterways, or do not like to steer children away from trash on the beach, then please tell your Congressman to support HR 1171. Enough with the flotsam and jetsam, and shore-sourced debris, ocean trash is taking away our public spaces. Debris is hurting us, and we have had enough of trash in the ocean and on our coasts. This is something Congress can commence cleaning up at a fraction of the cost of more pressing problems.

Tell your Representative to support H.R. 1171, the Reauthorization of the Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act.

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